SELECTING A POTTER’S WHEEL
ACCESSORIES
FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION SEE OUR
WEBSITE:
www.saxarts.com/Potterswheel-info
TYPE: Kick or Electric Wheel
KICK: A kick wheel takes up more space, and due to the
weight needed for the flywheel, is heavier and harder to
move and store. Most weigh between 200 and 300 lbs. It
however, allows the potter to be “at one” with the clay….
establishing a quiet rhythm and an almost Zen experience. It
may be less expensive than an electric wheel and of course,
requires no electricity. Some models have the ability to add a
cone drive motor.
ELECTRIC: Electric wheels are easy to operate and
allow the potter to employ a pedal to turn the wheel
anywhere from 0 to 250 RPMs. It frees the potter to
concentrate on the piece rather than on the
mechanics of wheel operation.
MOTOR TYPES & SIZE (Horsepower)
TYPES: Wheels employ a motor of between ¼ to 1½
horsepower which turns an aluminum 12 to 14" wheel head
in one of three ways:
• Belt/pulley….though capable of slipping, when properly
tensioned, can work well and are the most popular
method of wheel head drive.
• Gearbox/direct drive….like a gearbox of a car, directly
drives the wheel head with a series of gears. Reliable and
strong.
• Cone/pulley….has a steel cone mounted on the end of
a constant speed ac motor that directly presses against
the wheel. The varying diameters of the cone increase or
decrease the wheel
head speed.
SIZE (horsepower): Manufacturers generally tout how
much clay a wheel can center since this activity is when the
wheel needs the most power, speed and torque. Generally, a
1
⁄3 horsepower motor can center 50 lbs. of clay. Remember,
a mug weighs a pound. A wheel of ½ horsepower or more
is good for an advanced potter.
W000735 12/11
BATS: Throwing bats are disks of plastic, wood or plaster set
on the wheel head so that the ball of clay is thrown on the
bat rather than the wheel head itself. That way the finished
piece can be removed intact with its bat, without distortion.
SPLASH PANS: Removable splash pans help contain the
mess of trimmed clay and water and make cleanup easier. A
two-piece design allows for easy removal of the pan. Splash
pans that are not removable may have a drain to remove
excess water. Some do not and require more effort for
cleanup.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
• The controller (foot pedal) is one of the most important
considerations in electric wheel selection. Smooth
operation, ability to maintain a speed when you remove
your foot, and low speed torque (without jerking) are
things to consider.
• Does the wheel have a reversing switch for left handers/
right handers?
• Does the wheel have a 12 or 14"(aluminum) wheel head
with bat pins or at least holes pre- drilled for bat pins?
• Does the wheel feature an integral splash pan with a
drain plug or a two- piece removable pan? Is it included or
optional?
• Is there a spacious work area that is easy to clean?
• Is the wheel adaptable? Some manufacturers gear
models towards both young potters (table models) and
those with special needs or wheel chair accessible. Is the
height adjustable? Will it convert from a table top to floor
version?
• What is the weight of the wheel?
• Is there a seat incorporated or do you have to purchase
one separately?
• What is the warranty? How long and what is covered?
• What is the best value? Shop around and choose the one
that fits your needs. The most expensive is not necessarily
the best option.
SUMMARY CHECKLIST FOR POTTERY WHEELS
■ Type: kick or electric
■ Motor type
■ Motor size (horsepower)
■ Wheel-head size
■ Accessories: controller (foot pedal), splash pans, bats,
reversing switch, and a seat
■ General considerations: warranties, price, portability,
accessibility, and durability